She denied conveying a prohibited article into prison and was convicted after a trial.

Her 62 offences included a three-year prison sentence in 2010.

Andrew Turton, defending, said: “She was introduced to heroin at the age of 16 by a family member. It goes on and on.

“Her choice in partners has been dreadful. She lost her first child as a result of domestic violence. That was when she was 16.

“She’s going it alone dealing with all manner of issues.

“All sorts of dreadful things have happened which paint the picture of a tragic young life.”

He told how she came to court with “an overwhelming sense of dread” while striving to better herself in a stable home, working with agencies and giving negative drug tests.

“She’s put so much into trying to change her lifestyle,” added Mr Turton.

Judge Simon Bourne-Arton QC, the Recorder of Middlesbrough, told Rushby, who cried in the dock: “You’ve had a catastrophic life.

“You are now far from well. You’ve never been able to build a relationship with anybody. You’ve had no guidance at all over your still comparatively short life.

“You have, not surprisingly but inexcusably, a number of convictions, 62 offences.

“For many years you have not been subject to any form of supervision by probation.

“You came out with a ridiculous account about how the drugs came into his possession.

“I’ve got absolutely no doubt that you were asked to bring in drugs into Holme House and you were under some persuasion and coercion to do that.

“That’s the nature of your life.

“Taking any form of drugs into prison will result in a sentence of imprisonment, and there will be one.

“I suspend that sentence in your case. I don’t think it is necessary in all the circumstances for you to be locked up.”Rushby was given an eight-month jail term suspended for two years with supervision.